Carbon dioxide-enriched water inhalation in patients with allergic rhinitis and its relationship with nasal fluid cytokine/chemokine release

Authors: Pagani D (1) , Galliera E (2) , Dogliotti G (2) , De Bernardi Di Valserra M (3) , Torretta S (1) , Solimene U (2) , Corsi MM (2) , Pignataro L (1)

Affiliations:

(1) Department of Special Surgical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan (2) Department of Human Morphology and Biomedical Sciences “Città Studi”, University of Milan (3) Fonti di Rabbi SPA

Source: Arch Med Res. 2011 May;42(4):329-33

Language: English Countries: Italy Location: Fonti di Rabbi Spa Centre (Trento) Correspondence address: Davide Pagani, Dr : Department of Specialist Surgical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via F. Sforza 35,20122 Milan, Italy; Phone: +39-02-55032563; FAX: +39-02-55032823. email : davide.pagani@alice.it

Keywords

Article abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS:

Allergic rhinitis is characterized by eosinophil infiltration and accumulation in the nasal mucosa mainly due to IL-3, IL-5, and eotaxin activities. We undertook this study to investigate a possible in vivo effect of carbon dioxide-enriched water inhalation in patients with allergic rhinitis.

METHODS:

Twenty five consecutive patients inhaled carbon dioxide-enriched water at Fonti di Rabbi Spa Centre (Trento, Italy). Symptom scores for nasal obstruction, itching and sneezing were obtained before and after treatment. Nasal lavage was collected, and IL-3, IL-5, and eotaxin levels were assessed using the quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. Cytometric analysis was performed on samples to measure total cell count, CD45+ cells, and percentages of polymorphonucleates and lymphocytes.

RESULTS:

There were statistically significant differences in chemokine levels and in cell populations between patients and healthy controls before treatment. After carbon dioxide-enriched water inhalation, we observed statistically significant improvements in symptom scores, chemokine levels, and percentages of cell populations.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results seem to confirm the role of IL-3, IL-5, and eotaxin in the pathophysiology of allergy and the beneficial effect of carbon dioxide-enriched water inhalation in patients affected by allergic rhinitis.

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